Roundtable #83: Favorite Game Genre

Anyone that has been playing videogames for more than a few months has probably already developed a sense for his or her favorite types of games.

In Roundtable #83, the game-playing veterans that are the IGN editors discuss this question: "If you had to pick your favorite videogame genre -- action, adventure, fighting, etc. -- what would it be? Explain why with examples of games.

But in the end, I would pick Super Mario 64. It's still great on every level, save the graphics, which are a little dated now. I can play that game over and over again because it's still so challenging; there is so much to do in it, and it's massive. Plus, its innovations still shine as if they were new today. The level of character control, huge array of physical puzzles, and wide-open levels is just amazing.

There are still so many great contenders, but in the end, it's either that or...Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer....OK, Super Mario 64 still wins out.

Ivan Sulic, IGNPC: Doug... What the heck was that?

Anyway, my favorite game genre has got to be the space combat simulation. With enough depth to last and enough of an emphasis on reflex action to be incredibly exhilarating, properly done space combat simulations remain my favorite games of all time, period.

Wing Commander showed us the way, but it wasn't until Tie Fighter and Freespace that we brushed perfection with truly deep, satisfying, unrelenting, and always atmospheric gameplay. So many years ago those titles were delivering an uncompromising style of gaming that insisted only those with real skill, a keen eye for fighting, and a sense of how to manage a vessel while getting shot by eight missiles apply. If you suck at games, you'll hate them. But, if you have twitch skills, proper dogfighting skills, a sense for what to do and what not to do in combat, and a love for deep storylines, the best of the genre simply can't be beat.

It's a bleeding shame none ever sell worth a damn.

After that, it's the 3D fighter. However, with so much horrible crap flooding that genre, I find myself despising it more and more everyday. Still, Tobal 2...? How can I deny you?

Tyrone Rodriguez, IGN Cars: It would have to be racing, without a doubt, followed closely by fighting games and then RPGs.

You want examples? How about I provide some of my favorites of all time.

Racing: Ferrari F355 Challenge--it's the ultimate racer for anyone who really wants, um, a challenge. Particularly in the arcades there's nothing that can really come close to this one. Ridge Racer is close in sheer adrenaline rush, as is Racing Jam.

Fighting: C'mon, it's all about Tobal 2--what other game is as deep, intricate and infinitely playable as Square hard-to-find fighting gem. I dunno how Dream Factory got it right on the second try. You've got poor ol' John Tobias and Ed Boon who still haven't gotten it right. Same goes for Yu Suzuki and Namco.

RPG: This has to go to Final Fantasy II (IV in Japan). It had a great story, the right difficulty level and didn't rely on bells and whistles to get our attention.

Ivan Sulic, IGNPC: I love you, Tyrone. Anyone who knows the joy of Tobal 2 is alright in my book.

Matt Casamassina, IGNcube: Doug, your favorite game genre is Super Mario 64? Sweetness. I also like the Super Mario 64 genre, but I find that it's very limited in selection.